Overview
The Functional Literacy and Possession of Skills Test (FLT) is run by the Election Commission of Bhutan. Aspiring candidates for local government posts must hold an FLT certificate to stand. The notice used here covers the second phase of the fourth Local Government Elections, 2027.
Who can apply
Registered voters who want to contest as Gup, Mangmi, Thromde Ngotshab, Gewog Tshogpa or Thromde Tshogpa in the gewogs and dzongkhag thromdes. Phuentshogling and Thimphu Thromdes are excluded from this notice. People who already hold an FLT certificate and seek only a Tshogpa post do not need to retake the test.
Levels or stages
Competency Level I
Mandatory for candidates for Gup, Mangmi and Thromde Ngotshab.
Competency Level II
Required for candidates for Gewog Tshogpa and Thromde Tshogpa. Previously certified Tshogpa candidates receive Level II certificates from their Dzongkhag Election Offices after 16 September 2026.
Exam pattern
The test has a written part (the FCA) and an oral, viva-voce part (the FCE). The notice does not give the subjects or the passing criteria.
Important dates
For this 2026 round:
Registration opens: 17 July 2026.
Registration closes: 10 August 2026, 5:00 PM.
Written test: 1 September 2026.
Oral examination: 2 to 4 September 2026.
Test venues are announced after 10 August 2026 on the Election Commission website and at Dzongkhag Election Offices.
How to apply
Register online through the registration link published in the Election Commission's notice.
Do I have to retake the FLT if I already have a certificate?
Not if you only want a Tshogpa post and already hold an FLT certificate.
When were the 2026 FLT exams held?
The written test was on 1 September 2026 and the oral examination on 2 to 4 September 2026.